Training in May for Master Food Volunteer Program!

Do you love food? Like to cook? Want to learn more about nutrition and wellness? Enjoy volunteering? Want to make a difference in your community? Combine your love for cooking, nutrition, physical activity and helping others by becoming a Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Food Volunteer (MFV)!

Purpose of Master Food Volunteers

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 62 percent of adult Virginians and 20 percent of our youth are overweight or obese and at risk of chronic disease. With obesity rates on the rise, it is imperative to promote and educate consumers to adopt healthy eating behaviors and make positive lifestyle changes. There are fewer than 40 full-time Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Extension Agents across Virginia, limiting the availability and effect of community programming. Master Food Volunteers (MFV) can help fill the critical need by expanding program delivery and educating more consumers; resulting in healthier communities!

What is a Master Food Volunteer?

A Virginia MFV is a volunteer educator who is trained to promote, inform and work with individuals, families and groups presenting programs on food, nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Volunteers come from all walks of life, but share the same passion for continued learning, the love of food, nutrition, and health and an interest in helping others.

Master Food Volunteer Training

There is no prior educational requirement for those interested in becoming a Master Food Volunteer. You will receive a minimum of 30 hours of hands-on, research based training over 4 weeks. The training will cover topics such as basic nutrition, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low cost meal planning, cooking techniques, food safety, physical activity, healthy lifestyles and effective teaching techniques for working with diverse audiences. In addition, volunteers gain important job skill training such as: leadership, conflict management, public speaking, presentation skills and interpersonal communication.

After completing training, volunteers agree to provide 30 or more hours annually through education and outreach efforts that are focused on their talents. There is something for everyone! Opportunities for service include participating in health fairs, food demonstrations, cooking classes, farmers’ markets and grocery store displays, youth programs, judging fairs, in-school or after-school programs, assisting with education at food distribution sites, health ministries in your community, writing informative newspaper or newsletter articles and food preparation. You can also create your own program!

Accomplishments of the Program

In 2012, 15 Master Food Volunteers reached 1,400 individuals contributing a total of 652 hours! They taught monthly nutrition education and cooking at 18 chef clubs in the middle schools, did Cooking Matters and Shopping Matters classes as part of a grant, helped with Living Well with Diabetes sessions, answered questions at farmers markets and health fairs and conducted canning classes. They also taught nutrition to those in recovery, senior citizens and childcare providers.

Virginia Cooperative Extension complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a person with a disability and require auxiliary aids services or other accommodations for a workshop or meeting please discuss your accommodation needs at least five days prior to the event with Virginia Cooperative Extension 703-792-6289/TDD PC 1-800-828-1120